00:00And U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens to strip Panama of its interoceanic canal
00:05if the Central American country does not reduce the fees it charges Washington for the use
00:09of the canal.
00:11Trump issued a firm threat to Panama and the administration of the canal through a statement
00:15published on his social medias, arguing that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter gave the
00:19canal to Panama for $1 during his term.
00:22Through this intimidation, Trump seeks to strip Panama of the administration of this
00:26interoceanic waterway, considering the canal as a vital asset for the United States and
00:31qualifying the passage of the administration to Panamanian hands as an act of generosity
00:35by Washington.
00:36Trump also reiterated his government's interest in the operation of the Panama Canal, adding
00:40that they would not allow it to fall into the hands of others.
00:48For some context, it's important to note that the Panama Canal, established in 1903 through
00:53the Hay-Bunao-Varela Treaty, was a U.S. controlled territory that existed until 1979.
00:59Despite its strategic importance for global shipping, the canal soon became a point of
01:04contention between the U.S. and Panama, leading to growing nationalist sentiments among Panamanians.
01:10The Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 initiated a gradual transfer of control back to Panama,
01:16culminating in full sovereignty by December 31, 1999.
01:20Today, the Panama Canal remains a crucial maritime route, having undergone expansions
01:24to accommodate larger vessels, while continuing to play a vital role in international trade.
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